Connector for a climate controlled support device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a connector, comprising a base including one or more supports extending from the base, a diverter that is offset from the base via the one or more supports, and a passage defined in the base having a size that is substantially the same as a size of the diverter. The diverter is configured to extend through a layer in a climate control device. The diverter restricts the layer from obstructing the passage.

FIELD

The present teachings relate generally to support devices, and moreparticularly to a connector for a climate controlled support device.

BACKGROUND

A support device can be any device that supports an occupant. Forexample, a support device can be a recliner, a chair, a couch, a bed, aseat, and/or the like. Support devices can be found virtually anywhere,such as in an automobile, a train, an airplane, and/or in a home oroffice. Recently, climate control devices have been added to variousportions of support devices, such as a seating portion, a backrestportion, armrests, headrests, floor panels, side panels, etc., or acombination thereof. Climate control devices may enhance the comfort ofan occupant using a support device by passing air towards the occupant;removing air from the vicinity of the occupant; or both. The air passedtowards the occupant can be ambient air, warm air, cool air, or acombination thereof.

As can be imagined, attaching a climate control device to a supportdevice can be desirable; however, once attached, some challenges existin ensuring that the climate control device functions properly. Forexample, some climate control devices are designed to move air betweenan air mover and an air distribution structure. Typically, an airdistribution structure comprises a spacer layer, a spacer layer attachedto a cushion or portion of the support device, such as the seatingportion; or a spacer layer attached to a cover layer, which together mayform a bag structure. During use, air can be moved from the air mover tothe spacer layer, the air distribution structure or both, which mayrequire the flow path of the air to abruptly change directions. Abruptchanges in the flow path may undesirably cause backpressure in thesystem. Moreover, during use, when an occupant is seated in the seatingportion, the weight of an occupant may cause the seating portion tocompress and collapse onto the climate control device, which mayundesirably block the passage or flow of air between the air mover andthe air distribution structure. Moreover, securely attaching the airmover to the spacer layer, the air distribution structure, or both canbe challenging, and maintaining a secure connection therebetween overthe life of the support device can be especially challenging.

What is needed, therefore, is a connector that can address at least oneof the aforementioned issues. For example, it would be attractive tohave a connector that can prevent blockages in the passage or flow ofair between the air mover and the spacer layer or the air distributionstructure when a portion of the support device is compressed, such as bythe weight of an occupant. It would be attractive to have a connectorthat can avoid abrupt changes in the direction of airflow from the airmover to the spacer layer or the air distribution structure. That is, itwould be desirable to have a connector that can smoothly transition theflow of air therebetween to reduce turbulent airflow. It would beattractive to have a connector that can easily and securely connect anair mover to a spacer layer or an air distribution structure. It wouldbe desirable to have a connector that can maintain a connection betweenan air mover and a spacer layer or an air distribution structure overthe life of the climate control device, the support device, or both. Itwould be desirable to have a connector that is lightweight, can bemanufactured relatively inexpensively, and can be easily installed.

SUMMARY

The present teachings are predicated upon providing an improved supportdevice, and more particularly to a connector for a climate controldevice for a support device. The teachings herein provide a connectorthat can smoothly transition the flow of air between an air mover and aspacer layer, an air distribution structure, or both. The teachingsprovide a connector that can prevent blockages in the passage or flow ofair between the air mover and the spacer layer or the air distributionstructure when a portion of the support device is compressed, such as bythe weight of an occupant for example. The connector can easily andsecurely connect an air mover to a spacer layer or an air distributionstructure. The connector can maintain a connection between an air moverand a spacer layer or an air distribution structure over the life of theclimate control device, the support device, or both. The connector islightweight, can be manufactured relatively inexpensively, and can beeasily installed.

The present teachings provide a connector. The connector may comprise abase including one or more supports extending from the base; a diverterthat is offset from the base via the one or more supports; and a passagedefined in the base having a size that is substantially the same as asize of the diverter. The diverter is configured to extend through alayer in a climate control device, such as a spacer layer or into agenerally open structure such as an air distribution structure. Thediverter can restrict the layer, the air distribution structure, or bothfrom obstructing the passage. The diverter can also can smoothlytransition the flow of air between an air mover and a spacer layer, theair distribution structure, or both so that abrupt changes in thedirection of airflow therebetween are reduced or avoided.

The present teachings also provide a climate control device. The climatecontrol device may comprise the connector according to the teachingsherein and an air mover. The lower flange of the connector is configuredto attach the air mover to the connector, and the diverter is configuredto redirect air moving between the air mover and the layer.

The present teachings further provide a connector, comprising an upperflange including a diverter; a lower flange that is offset from theupper flange; and a passage extending between the upper flange an thelower flange. The passage has a size that is generally the same as theupper flange. The upper flange is configured to at least partiallyextend through a spacer layer or into an open area of air distributionstructure. The lower flange is configured to attach to an air mover. Theupper flange prevents the spacer layer, the cover layer, the airdistribution structure, or a combination thereof from obstructing thepassage. The diverter is configured to redirect a flow of air from theair mover about the spacer layer, into the air distribution structure,or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle having a support device including aclimate control device according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a climate control device according tothe teachings herein.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a climate control deviceaccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a connector according to the teachingsherein for use with one or both of the climate control devices of FIGS.2 and 3.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a connector according to the teachingsherein for use with one or both of the climate control devices of FIGS.2 and 3.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIGS. 4A and 4Btaken along line 4C of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIGS. 4A and 4Btaken along line 4C of FIG. 4A, but also including vibration isolators.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present teachings are predicated upon providing an improved supportdevice. More particularly, the teachings herein provide a connector fora climate control device that is attached to a support device. Theclimate control device generally includes an air mover and an airdistribution structure. The connector may connect the air mover to theair distribution structure. The air distribution structure may comprisea spacer layer; a spacer layer and an adjacent cushion located in anyportion of the support device, such as the seating portion, the backrestportion, etc.; or the spacer layer and a cover layer, which together mayform a bag structure. The connector includes an upper flange that mayprevent the adjacent cushion, the spacer layer, the air distributionstructure, and/or the cover layer from blocking a passage extendingbetween the air mover and the spacer layer or the air distributionstructure so that air can move unrestrictedly therebetween. The upperflange, a conically-shaped diverter, an area of impingement of thediverter, or a combination thereof may smoothly distribute or transitiona direction of the flow of air from the air mover to the airdistribution structure or the spacer layer. The connector may alsoprovide a secure connection between the air mover and the airdistribution structure or the spacer layer. The connection may besecure, yet removable, which may make service of the air mover, theclimate control device, the support device, or a combination thereofpractical.

The support device can be any device that supports an occupant. Thesupport device may support the weight of an occupant. For example, thesupport device can be a recliner, a chair, a couch, a bed, a seat, etc.The support device can be located virtually anywhere. For example, thesupport device can be located in a vehicle, such as an automobile, atrain, an airplane, etc.; at home or in an office; or a combinationthereof. The support device may include one or more portions supportingan occupant. For example, the one or more portions may include a seatingportion supporting the backside and legs of an occupant; a backrestportion supporting the back of an occupant; one or more armrestssupporting the arms of an occupant; a headrest supporting the head andneck of an occupant; etc.; or a combination thereof. In someconfigurations, the one or more portions may include a cushion that maycooperate with the spacer layer to form the air distribution structure.In other configurations, the spacer layer may cooperate with a coverlayer to form the air distribution structure, which may be a bagstructure. One or more climate control devices may be connected orattached to, made integral with, and/or incorporated into the supportdevice. Preferably, one or more portions of the support device, such asa seating portion, a backrest portion, arm rest(s), a headrest, etc.includes one or more climate control devices.

The support device may include one or more cushions. The one or morecushions may be located on any portion of the support device. Forexample, one or more cushions may be located on a seating portion; abackrest portion; one or more armrests; a headrest supporting; or acombination thereof. The one or more cushions may be one or more comfortlayers disposed on a support structure. The one or more cushions may beat least partially compressible and/or at least partially form fitting.The one or more cushions may compress when an occupant is in contactwith or is near the support device. The one or more cushions may beresilient and/or may include a memory material so that the cushionun-compresses and returns to its original state after the occupant is nolonger in contact with, or near, the support device. The one or morecushions may be made of any suitable material, such as foam. The one ormore cushions may be air permeable, air impermeable, or portions of theone or more cushions may be air permeable, air impermeable, or both. Theone or more cushions may cooperate with the spacer layer to form the airdistribution structure. More specifically, a bottom or backside of theone or more cushions may cooperate with the spacer layer to form the airdistribution structure. The one or more cushions may include a springcore. The one or more cushions may be a unitary structure, or the one ormore cushions may comprise a plurality of structures supported on asupport structure. One or more climate control devices may be connectedor attached to, or made integral with one or more cushions. The one ormore climate control devices, or portions of the one or more climatecontrol devices, such as a spacer layer, an air distribution structure,a duct, a duct connector, or a combination thereof can be attached to abottom or side of the one or more cushions. The one or more cushions mayinclude a slot, a recess, or any other opening or void for receiving oneor more climate control devices, or portions of one or more climatecontrol devices, such as a spacer layer, an air distribution structure,a duct, a duct connector, or a combination thereof.

The one or more climate control devices may function to improve comfortof an occupant in or near the support device. The one or more climatecontrol devices may move a fluid, such as air, towards and/or away froman occupant in or near the support device. The air moved towards and/oraway form an occupant may be warm air, cool air, ambient air, or acombination thereof. One or more climate control devices may beconnected or attached to, made integral with, and/or incorporated intothe support device, or one or more portions of the support device. Theone or more climate control devices can include one or more air movers,one or more spacer layers, one or more air distribution structureshaving one or more spacer layers, one or more connectors, and/or anycombination thereof.

The one or more air movers can be any device that moves a fluid, createa flow of fluid, or both. The fluid may be air, or the fluid may be airincluding water (i.e., a mist). More specifically, the one or more airmovers may be any device(s) that directs, passes, provides, moves,pushes, and and/or pulls air. The one or more air movers may pass airtowards an occupant in or in the vicinity of the support device (pushmode). The one or more air movers may pull air away an occupant in or inthe vicinity of the support device (pull mode). The air passed towardsor away form the occupant may be ambient air, cool air, warm air, or acombination thereof. That is, the one or more air moves may pass airover a heating appliance to provide warm air towards the occupant. Theheating applicants may be any suitable device that can warm the airpassing there over and/or passing thereby. The one or more air moves maypass air over a cooling appliance to provide cool air towards theoccupant. The cooling appliance may be any suitable device that coolsthe air passing there over or passing thereby. The one or more airmovers may be, or may include, one or more fans or blowers. For example,the one or more air movers may be or may include one or more axial fans,radial fans, centrifugal fans, cross-flow fans, etc. Preferably, the oneor more air movers include one or more radial fans. The one or more airmovers may operate in a single speed, or the one or more fans may havemulti-speeds; that is, the one or more air movers may have at least alow, medium, and high setting for moving air.

The one or more air movers can operate in a push mode. In a push mode,the one or more air movers can draw in air from the atmospheresurrounding the support device. The pushed air may be ambient air, coolair, or warm air. The one or more air movers may move or push the airfrom the air mover, through the passage in the connector and through oralong the spacer layer and/or the air distribution structure towards theoccupant in or near the support device.

The one or more climate control devices can operate in a pull mode. Thepull mode may operate generally opposite the push mode. In the pullmode, the one or more air movers can draw in air from or near thesupport device. The drawn-in air may be ambient air, cool air, or warmair. In the pull mode, the air mover may pull or suck-in air through thesupport layer, through the passage in the connector, and direct the airtowards the air mover. In the pull mode, the air mover may pull orsuck-in air through the upper openings in the cover layer, through theair distribution structure, through or along the support layer, throughthe passage in the connector, and move the towards the air mover, or anycombination thereof.

The one or more spacer layers may function to move or distribute a flowof air. The one or more spacer layers may function to create an openarea so that air can be moved between an occupant and one or more airmovers, or vice versa. That is, the one or more spacer layers mayprovide for the air to move laterally there along when the system isoperating in a push mode, a pull mode, or both. For example, the one ormore spacer layers may provide for the air to move laterally along thespacer layer, within the air distribution system, or both as the airflows from the air mover to the one or more upper openings in the coverlayer, the cushion, or both towards the vicinity of the occupant (pushmode). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more spacer layers mayprovide for the air to move laterally along the spacer layer, within theair distribution system, or both as the air flows from the vicinity ofthe occupant to the one or more air movers (pull mode). The one or morespacer layers may direct fluid to, from, or both a specific region. Theone or more spacer layers may be sealed with a forward layer and arearward layer. The one or more spacer layers may be open to ambient.The air from the one or more spacer layers may be directed by theregions of a support structure surrounding the spacer layers. The one ormore spacer layers may be a comfort layer supporting an occupant or loadin the support device. The one or more spacer layers may be form fittingand/or may at least partially deflect or compress when an occupant is inthe support device. The one or more spacer layers may prevent crushingof the one or more air movers when an occupant or load is in or near thesupport device. The one or more spacer layers may prevent deflection ofthe support device, a cushion or portion of the support device, or acombination thereof so that a flow of air between the support device andthe air mover is neither restricted nor blocked. The one or more spacerlayers may be received in a cavity, recess, or opening in the supportdevice, a portion of the support device (i.e., a seating portion) or ina cushion. The one or more spacer layers may be attached to a bottom(i.e., a B-side) or side of the support device, a cushion, a portion ofthe support device, or a combination thereof to form an air distributionsystem. The cushion or foam may seal along a top, along the sides, orboth of the spacer layer to form the air distribution system. The one ormore spacer layers may be attached to a cover layer to form an airdistribution system, which may be a bag structure. The one or morespacer layers may include a base or a carrier having one or morespacers, one or more lower flange openings, or both. The one or morespacer layers, the carrier layer, or both may be made from a materialsold under the trade name 3MESH® and is commercially available fromMueller Textil GmbH, Germany or Mueller Textiles, Inc., Rhode Island.

The one or more spacer layers may include one or more spacers located onthe carrier. The one or more spacers may function to create one or morefluid channels. Preferably, the one or more spacers form a plurality offluid channels that are connected together forming an open area. The oneor more spacers may support an air permeable free-space within acushion, in the air distribution structure or both. The one or morespacers may function to help prevent crushing of the one or more airmovers under the weight of an occupant in the support device. The one ormore spacers may help prevent deflection of the support device, acushion or portion of the support device, the cover layer, the airdistribution structure, or a combination thereof so that a flow of airbetween the support device and the air mover is not restricted orblocked, and remains unobstructed. The one or more spacers may helpdirect air flow through the spacer layer, the air distributionstructure, or both. The one or more spacers may create a passageway forfluid to flow to the one or more of the portions of the support device.The one or more spacers may direct or guide air between the air moverand the spacer layer, the air distribution structure, or both. The oneor more spacers may be three-dimensional projections that resistdeformation, crushing, or both. The one or more spacers may be rigidand/or may deflect at least partially when an occupant or load isprovided on the support device. The one or more spacers may be one ormore extruded parts, such as foam material, flat blocks, stamped blocksor fabric, cone-shaped castings, molded parts, nubs made of foil, or acombination thereof. The one or more spacers may be made form anelastic, flexible, soft, springy and/or supporting material, such asrubber, silicon, foam, cellulose, textiles, paper, and the like. The oneor more spacers may be generally of the same height, or the height mayvary to comfortably support an occupant. Preferably, the one or morespacers are arranged on the carrier flush to each other in one orseveral rows. The one or more spacers may be arranged on the carrieradjacent each other. If at least a part of the spacers are arranged onthe carrier immediately next to each other without any free space, itwill create greater softness than a one-piece spacer, for example. Theone or more spacers can have any suitable shape. For example, the one ormore spacers may be conical, round, mushroom head-like, elongated,cylindrical, ring-shaped or cuboid shaped, round, and/or zig-zag-shaped.The one or more spacers may be similar to the spacers disclosed incommonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,320 B2, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The one or more spacer layers or carriers may include one or more flangeopenings. The one or more flange openings may be any opening or passagein the carrier that may function to receive at least a portion of theone or more connectors, the one or more upper flange, the one or morediverters, or a combination thereof. The one or more flange openings mayprovide a passageway so that air can move between the one or more airmovers and the occupant, the support device, the one or more airdistribution structures, the one or more spacer layers, or a combinationthereof. The one or more flange openings may be any opening (i.e., slit,aperture, opening, rip, hole, passage, void, etc.) in the carrier. Theone or more flange openings may be located anywhere on the carrier.

The one or more spacer layers may include one or more boss openings andone or more alignment openings in the carrier. The boss openings mayreceive a corresponding boss of the connector. The one or more bossopenings may cooperate with the corresponding bosses to form aconnection between the spacer layer, the air distribution structure, orboth and the connector, the air mover, or both. The one or more bossopenings may cooperate with the corresponding bosses of the one or moreconnectors to align the one or more connectors and the one or more airmovers with the one or more spacer layers, air distribution structuresor both. The one or more boss openings may cooperate with thecorresponding bosses of the one or more connectors to form a poka yokefeature so that the one or more connectors and the one or more airmovers can be attached to the one or more spacer layers, airdistribution structures, or both in only a single general orientation.The one or more boss openings may be any suitable shape and size forreceiving the one or more bosses. For example, the one or more bossopenings can be elliptical, square, triangular, star, symmetrical,asymmetrical, pentagonal, octagonal, etc. Preferably, the one or moreboss openings are round. Preferably, the one or more boss openings aresized so that an interference fit is created with the corresponding oneor more bosses.

The one or more alignment openings may function to receive acorresponding one or more alignment posts of the connector for attachingthe one or more connectors, the one or more air movers, or both to theone or more spacer layers, the one or more air distribution structures,or both. The one or more alignment openings in the carrier may cooperatewith the alignment posts to align the one or more connectors and the oneor more air movers with the one or more spacer layers, air distributionstructures, or both. The one or more alignment openings may cooperatewith the corresponding alignment posts of the one or more connectors toform a poka yoke feature so that the one or more connectors and the oneor more air movers can be attached to the one or more spacer layers, airdistribution structures, or both in only a single general orientation.The one or more alignment openings may be any suitable shape thatgenerally corresponds to the shape of the corresponding alignment posts.For example, the one or more alignment openings can be elliptical,square, triangular, star, symmetrical, asymmetrical, pentagonal,octagonal, etc. Preferably, the one or more alignment openings aregenerally round. Preferably, the one or more alignment openings aresized so that an interference fit is created with the corresponding oneor more alignment posts.

Some climate control devices may include one or more cover layersdisposed on the one or more spacer layers to form the air distributionstructure, which may also be a bag structure. The one or more coverlayers and the one or more spacer layers may be sealed at their edges toform an air impermeable air distribution structure or bag structure. Theone or more cover layers and the one or more spacer layers may be sealedvia any suitable method or fastener. For example, the layers can besealed together using an adhesive, sewing, staples, an air impermeablezipper, the like, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the layers aresealed at their periphery via IR, RF or ultrasonic welding methods.Preferably, the cover layer is air impermeable and includes one or moreupper openings. The air distribution structure or bag structure mayinclude an open space between the layers.

The air distribution structure may function to provide a sealed orsubstantially sealed structure for transferring and/or moving airbetween the air mover and the occupant or vice versa. The airdistribution structure may receive air supplied by the air mover (pushmode) and, via the one or more upper openings in the cover layer, or viaan air permeable cushion, may distribute the air to the support device,one or more portions of the support device, or a combination thereof.Via one or more upper openings, or an air permeable cushion, the airdistribution structure may help remove or gather air from the supportdevice, an area in the vicinity of the support device, the one or moreportions of the support device, a cushion, or a combination thereof tothe air mover (pull mode). Through the one or more flange openings inthe spacer layer, the connector, the upper flange and/or diverter mayextend into an open space defined in the air distribution structurebetween the spacer layer and the cover layer, or between the spacerlayer and the cushion. The one or more upper openings may be in anysuitable location on the one or more cover layers. The air distributionstructure may be received in a cavity, recess, or opening in the supportdevice, a portion of the support device (i.e., a seating portion), or ina cushion if the air distribution structure comprises a support layerand cover layer. In an air distribution system comprising a cover layer,the cover layer may be attached to a bottom or side of the supportdevice, a portion of the support device (i.e., a seating portion), acushion, or a combination thereof.

The one or more air movers may be attached to one or more spacer layers,the one or more air distribution structures, or both via one or moreconnectors. The one or more connectors may function to securely attachthe one or more air movers to the one or more spacer layers, the one ormore air distribution structures, or both. The one or more connectorsmay function to removably attach the one or more air movers to the oneor more spacer layers, the one or more air distribution structures, orboth. The one or more connectors may function to redirect a flow of airfrom the one or more air movers about the one or more spacer layers,into and about one or more air distribution structures, or both. The oneor more connectors may function to prevent obstruction of a flow of airbetween the one or more air movers and the one or more spacer layers,the one or more air distribution structures, or both. That is, the oneor more connectors may function to prevent blocking of an air streamextending between the air mover and the one or more spacer layers, theone or more air distribution structures, or both. For example, when theweight of an occupant presses onto a portion of the support device, suchas the seating portion, the one or more connectors may restrict orprevent the seating portion, the spacer layer, the cushion, the airdistribution structure, or a combination thereof from moving andblocking a flow of air between the one or more air movers and the one ormore spacer layers, the one or more air distribution structures, orboth.

The one or more connectors may be any device that may perform one ormore of the aforementioned connector functions. The one or moreconnectors may include a base. The base may support one or more featuresof the connector. The base may be fabricated from any suitable material,such as plastic. The base, one or more features of the connector, orboth may be fabricated via any suitable method. For example, the base,the one or more features of the connector, or a combination hereof maybe cast, injection molded, vacuum formed, 3D printed, blow molded, etc.

The base may include a tab that may help attach the connector to the oneor more spacer layers, the bag structure, or both. The tab may functionto assist in removal of the connector from the one or more spacerlayers, bag structures, or both to facilitate service of any componentsof the climate control device, the support device, or a combinationthereof. The tab may function to assist in the manufacturing of theconnector. For example, the tab may be a location where a gate islocated if the connector is fabricated via an injection molding process.

The base may include a passage that extends though a thickness thereof.The passage may function to provide a passageway for air to move betweenthe one or more air movers and the one or more spacer layers, airdistribution structures, support devices, or a combination thereof. Thepassage may be located is any suitable location on the base. Preferably,the passage is located in a center region of the base.

The base may include a one or more vibration isolators. The one or morevibration isolators may function to dampen vibrations causes by the oneor more air movers. The one or more vibration isolators may function toensure a desired clamping force is established between the connector andthe spacer layer, the air distribution structure, or both. The one ormore vibration isolators may be any suitable device or structure thatmay perform one or more of the aforementioned functions. The one or morevibration isolators may be disposed on an upper surface of the base, thelower surface of the base, or both. Preferably, the one or morevibration isolators comprise a first vibration isolator and a secondvibration isolator. One of the vibration isolators (i.e., the firstvibration isolator) may be located along the entire upper surface of thebase. Preferably, one of the vibration isolators is located orsandwiched in a space between the upper surface of the base and thecarrier of the spacer layer, air distribution structure, or both. Thefirst vibration isolator can be located on one side of the upper flange,or preferably on both sides of the upper flange. The other vibrationisolator (i.e., the second vibration isolator) may be located along thelower surface of the base. The other vibration isolator may be locatedalong the entire lower surface of the base, or, preferably, may belocated at least partially along the lower surface in a space betweenthe lower surface and a housing of the air mover. The first and secondvibration isolators may be the same, or different. For example, thefirst and second vibration isolators may be fabricated from the same ordifferent materials, and/or from materials having the same or differentcompression and vibration dampening properties. The thickness (i.e.,cross-section) of the vibration isolators may be the same or differentdepending on the amount of space between the base surfaces and surfacesor portions with which the base contacts. One or more of the vibrationisolators may be a skin of material disposed along the correspondingbase surface. As used herein, the upper surface may face a bottomsurface of the spacer layer, the carrier, the air distributionstructure, or a combination thereof. The lower surface may face thehousing of the air mover. The one or more vibration isolators may befabricated from any suitable material. For example, the vibrationisolator may comprise foam, rubber, plastic, etc. The one or morevibration isolators may be one or more pegs, posts, numbs, dimples,offsets, etc. that may take up space between the connector and thespacer layer, the air distribution structure, the air mover, or acombination thereof. Preferably, the one or more vibration isolators areat least partially compressible.

The one or more connectors may include an upper flange. The upper flangemay function to extend through the flange opening in the spacer layer,into the open space in the air distribution structure, or both. Theupper flange may function to prevent blockage of the passage in the basewhen the spacer layer, the cover layer, the air distribution structure,the cushion, the support device, or a combination thereof moves, flexesand/or compresses under the weight of an occupant or load on the supportdevice. The upper flange may be any device or feature that may functionto perform one or more of the aforementioned functions. The upper flangemay be offset or elevated from the base. Preferably, the upper flangemay be offset from the base via one or more supports. The upper flangemay be offset from the base any suitable distance. For example, theupper flange may be offset from the base a distance that is not greaterthan a height of the one or more spacers, a height of the open spacebetween the one or more spacer layers and the one or more cover layers,or a combination thereof. The height of the upper flange from the basemay be about 5 mm or more, about 8 mm or more, about 9 mm or more, orabout 9.5 mm or more. The height of upper flange from the base may beabout 20 mm or less, about 15 mm or less, about 13 mm or less, or about12.5 mm or less. Preferably, the height of the upper flange from thebase is about 10 mm or about 12 mm.

The upper flange may include a diverter. The upper flange, the diverter,or both may function prevent the passage in the base from beingobstructed or blocked when the spacer layer, the cover layer, the airdistribution structure, the cushion, the support device, or any otherlayer or device, or any combination thereof, flexes and/or compressesunder the weight of an occupant or load in or on the support device. Theupper flange, the diverter, or both may function to deflect or redirectthe direction of air flow from the one or more air movers to the spacerlayer, within the air distribution structure, or both. In other words,the upper flange, the diverter, or both may function to change and/ortransition the flow of air that enters the connector. That is, the flowof air may enter the passage along a path that is substantially along alongitudinal axis of the passage, and the upper flange, the diverter, orboth may change the direction of the flow path to be substantially alongan axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis of the passage.Stated another way, the upper flange, the diverter, or both may functionto reduce backpressure that may be caused by air flowing from the airmover and then being abruptly redirected to flow along the spacer layer,within the air distribution structure, or both. The air may be abruptlyredirected when the air encounters a flat wall that may be a bottomsurface of the cushion, a bottom or inner surface of the cover layer, orthe like. The diverter may be any device or feature that may function toperform one or more of the aforementioned functions. The diverter mayhave any suitable shape. For example, the diverter may be round, square,trapezoidal, irregular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, etc. Preferably, thediverter has a conical shape. The conically shaped diverter may includea tip or peak that is generally aligned with a center axis of thepassage. The conically shaped diverter may function to more efficientlyand evenly deflect or redirect a flow of air from the one or more airmovers about the spacer layer, within the bag structure, or both. Invarious embodiments, the diverter can provide an area of impingementthat increases in the direction of airflow. The area of impingement mayincrease from an initial relatively small area at the tip or peak of thediverter to a larger area away from the tip or peak, such as at a baseof the connector. The increased area of impingement may function to helpreduce turbulent airflow when the air flow changes directions whenmoving from the air mover to the spacer layer, the air distributionstructure, or both. In some configurations, the area of impingement mayalso be substantially flat. In this regard, the area of impingement maybe substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extendingthrough the passage, and/or to a surface of the upper flange. In otherwords, the area of impingement, the diverter, or both may be a flatplate-like structure, rather than conically shaped. The conically shapeddiverter deflector may improve manufacturability of the connector. Thediverter may extend through the flange opening in the spacer layer, intothe open space in the air distribution structure, or both. The divertermay be offset or elevated from the base. The diverter may be offset fromthe base any suitable distance. For example, the diverter may be offsetfrom the base a distance that is not greater than a height of the one ormore spacers, a height of the open space between the one or more spacerlayers and the one or more cover layers, or a combination thereof. Theheight of the diverter from the base may be about 5 mm or more, about 8mm or more, about 9 mm or more, or about 9.5 mm or more. The height ofdiverter from the base may be about 20 mm or less, about 15 mm or less,about 13 mm or less, or about 12.5 mm or less. Preferably, the height ofthe diverter from the base is about 10 mm or about 12 mm. The divertermay be offset from the base via one or more supports.

The upper flange, the deflector, or both may be offset from the base viaone or more supports. The one or more supports may support the upperflange, the diverter, or both. The one or more supports, the upperflange, the diverter, or a combination thereof may form a dome-likeshape extending from the base. The one or more supports may assist indeflecting and/or redirecting air flow between the one or more airmovers and the spacer layer, the air distribution structure, or both.The one or more supports may extend generally upward from the baserelative to the lower flange. The one or more supports may be anysuitable shape. For example, the one or more supports may be angled,rounded, curved, irregular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, etc. Preferably,the one or more supports are generally linear. The one or more supportsmay extend from the base in a generally perpendicular direction relativeto an upper surface of the base. The one or more supports may extendgenerally parallel to a center axis extending through the passage in thebase of the connector.

The one or more connectors may include one or more bosses. The one ormore bosses may function to attach the one or more connectors, airmovers, or both to the one or more spacer layers, air distributionstructures, or both. The one or more bosses may function to removeablyattach the one or more connectors, air movers, or both to the one ormore spacer layers, air distribution structures, or both. The one ormore bosses may cooperate with the bosses openings to align the one ormore connectors and the one or more air movers with the one or morespacer layers, air distribution structures, or both. The one or morebosses may cooperate with the corresponding boss openings to form a pokayoke so that the one or more connectors, air movers, or both can beattached to the one or more spacer layers, air distribution structures,or both in only a single general orientation. The one or more bosses maybe any suitable feature(s) that may function to perform one or more ofthe aforementioned functions. The one or more bosses may have anysuitable shape that generally corresponds to the shape of thecorresponding boss openings. For example, the one or more bosses can beelliptical, square, triangular, star, symmetrical, asymmetrical,pentagonal, octagonal, etc. Preferably, the one or more bosses aregenerally round. Preferably, the one or more bosses are sized so that aninterference fit is created with the corresponding one or more bossopenings. The one or more bosses may include one or more barbs, prongs,fingers, etc. that may function to lock or secure the one or moreconnectors to the one or more spacer layers, bag structures, or both.The one or more barbs may be offset from an upper surface of the base asufficient distance so that a material thickness of the spacer layerfits between the prongs and the base.

The one or more connectors may include one or more alignment posts. Theone or more alignment posts may function to attach the one or moreconnectors to the one or more spacer layers, air distributionstructures, or both. The one or more alignment posts may function toremoveably attach the one or more connectors to the one or more spacerlayers, air distribution structures, or both. The one or more alignmentposts may cooperate with the alignment openings to align the one or moreconnectors and the one or more air movers with the one or more spacerlayers, air distribution structures, or both. The one or more alignmentposts may cooperate with the corresponding alignment openings to form apoka yoke so that the one or more connectors can be attached to the oneor more spacer layers, air distribution structure, or both in only asingle general orientation. The one or more alignment posts may have anysuitable shape that generally corresponds to the shape of thecorresponding alignment openings. For example, the one or more alignmentposts can be elliptical, square, triangular, star, symmetrical,asymmetrical, pentagonal, octagonal, etc. Preferably, the one or morealignment posts are generally round. Preferably, the one or morealignment posts are sized so that an interference fit is created withthe corresponding one or more alignment openings.

The one or more connectors may include a lower flange. The lower flangemay function to connect the air mover to the connector. The lower flangemay function to securely, and/or removeably attach the air mover to theconnector. The lower flange may function to align the one or more airmovers with the one or more passages, the one or more spacer layers, thebag structure, the occupant or load in a support device, or acombination thereof. The lower flange may be generally aligned with thepassage in the base, the upper flange, the diverter, or a combinationthereof so that air moving between the air mover and the spacer layer,the air distribution structure, or both is not obstructed. The one ormore passages may be substantially the same size as the diverter. Thatis, a cross section of the passage may be substantially the same as across section of the diverter.

The lower flange may include one or more fingers. The fingers mayfunction to attach to an opening of the air mover. One or more of thefingers may be locking fingers. The one or more locking fingers mayfunction to securely attach the air mover to the connector. The fingers,the locking fingers or both may be biased so that the fingers can engagethe opening of the air mover with an interference fit.

In some configurations, the connector may include the upper flange, thediverter, the lower flange, and the vibration isolators. That is, insome configurations, the connector may include the features describedabove, except for the base. In these configurations, the upper flangemay perform one or more of the aforementioned upper flange functions;the diverter may perform one or more of the aforementioned diverterfunctions; the lower flange may perform one or more of theaforementioned lower flange functions; and the one or more vibrationisolators may perform one or more of the aforementioned vibrationisolator functions,

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes asupport device 110. The support device 110 comprises a seating portion112, a backrest portion 114, and a headrest 116. One or more of theseating portion 112, the backrest portion 114, and the headrest 116includes a cushion 118 and a climate control device 10.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a climate control device 10. The climatecontrol device 10 includes an air mover 12 in communication with an airdistribution structure 14, which may be a bag structure, and a duct 16.The air distribution structure 14 includes an open space 34 definedbetween a spacer layer 18 and a cover layer 20. The spacer layer 18includes a flat or contoured sheet or carrier 19, a flange opening 22(not shown) in the carrier 19, and a plurality of spacers 24 arranged onthe carrier 19. The cover layer 20 includes one or more upper openings26. A connector 28 is located between the spacer layer 18 and the airmover 12. The connector 28 includes an upper flange 30 extending intothe open space 34 through the flange opening 22 in the spacer layer 18.The connector 28 also includes a lower flange 44 (not shown) incommunication with an opening on the air mover 12. The air distributionstructure 14 can be attached to any portion of the support device 110,such as the seating portion 112, for example. The duct 16 is incommunication with another opening of the air mover 12, and can beattached to any portion of the support device 110, such as the backrestportion 114. The duct 16 includes a duct connector 32 for connecting theclimate control device 10 to any portion of a support device 110, suchas the headrest 116.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view climate control device 10. The climatecontrol device 10 includes an air mover 12 in communication with aspacer layer 18. The spacer layer 18 may be an air distributionstructure 14. Or, the spacer layer 18 can be attached to any portion ofan occupant support device 110, such as a cushion 118 (FIG. 1) of theseating portion 112 to form an air distribution structure 14. The airmover 12 includes a housing 80. The spacer layer 18 includes a carrier19 having a flange opening 22, a pair of boss openings 36, and a pair ofalignment openings 38. A connector 28 is disposed between the spacerlayer 18 and the air mover 12. The connector 28 includes an upper flange30 that is configured to extend through the flange opening 22 and intoan open space defined between the spacer layer 14 and the cushion 118.The connector 28 also includes a pair of bosses 40 configured to extendthrough the corresponding boss openings 36; a pair of alignment posts 42configured to extend through the corresponding alignment openings 38;and a lower flange 44 (not shown) in communication with an opening 46 ofthe air mover 12. Another opening 48 of the air mover 48 can be incommunication with a duct (See FIG. 1) or the surrounding atmosphere.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C further illustrate the connector 28. The connector28 includes a base 50 and a passage 52. The upper flange 30, the bosses40, and the alignment posts 42 extend from an upper surface of the base50. The passage 52 extends through a thickness of the base 50. The base50 includes a tab 54. The upper flange 30 includes a diverter 58 that isoffset from the base 50 by supports 60. The diverter 58 extends towardsthe passage 52. The diverter 58 includes an area of impingement 70. Thearea of impingement 70 increases from an initial relatively small areaat the tip 56 to a larger area away from the tip 56, such as at asurface 72 of the upper flange 30. Once the bosses 40 are received intothe corresponding boss openings 36 in the spacer layer 18, one or morebarbs 62 can engage the spacer layer 18. The lower flange 44 includesfingers 64 and locking fingers 66. The fingers 64, 66 cooperate toattach the opening 46 of the air mover 12 to the connector 28. The upperflange 30, a peak 56 of diverter 58, the passage 52, and the lowerflange 44 are generally aligned along a longitudinal axis 68.

The climate control device 10 can be attached to any portion of thesupport device 110, such as the seating portion 112. In some instances,the weight of an occupant may cause the seating portion 112 to at leastpartially compress; however, the connector 28 may prevent the compressedseating portion 112 from blocking or restricting a flow of air betweenthe air mover 12 and the spacer layer 18, the air distribution structure14, or both. Moreover, the upper flange 30, the diverter 58, the area ofimpingement 70 and/or the supports 60 may distribute a flow of airsupplied by the air mover 12 along the spacer layer 18, to the airdistribution structure 14, or both.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of the connector 28. The connector 28includes a base 50. The base 50 includes a first vibration isolator 74located at least partially along an upper surface 76 of the base 50. Thefirst vibration isolator 74 is located in a space between the uppersurface 76 of the base 50 and the carrier 19 of the spacer layer 14, airdistribution structure 14, or both (FIGS. 2 and 3). The base 50 includesa second vibration isolator 75 located at least partially along a lowersurface 78 of the base 50. The second vibration isolator 75 is locatedin a space between the lower surface 78 of the base 50 and a housing 80of the air mover 12 (FIG. 3). The connector 28 of FIG. 5 may include oneor more of the features illustrated and described in the connector 28FIGS. of 4A-4C.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of the connector 28 attached to thespacer layer 18. The connector 28 of FIG. 6 may include one or more ofthe features illustrated and described in the connector 28 FIGS. of 4A-5(i.e., the upper flange 30, the lower flange 52, the diverter 58, etc.),except for the base 50. The connector 28 is attached to the spacer layer18 such that the first vibration isolator 74 is sandwiched between thecarrier 19 and the connector 28. The housing 80 of the air mover 12(FIG. 3) is sandwiched between the second vibration isolator 75 and aclip 82 that extends from one of the fingers 44.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can beseen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein alsocontemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight.Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Teachings of arange in terms of at “x′ parts by weight of the resulting polymericblend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of samerecited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymericblend composition.”

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

1) A connector, comprising: a base, a diverter that is spaced apart froma top surface of the base; a passage defined in the base; and one ormore biasable fingers extending from a bottom surface of the base;wherein the diverter is sized to fit within the passage; and wherein theconnector is configured to connect site air mover with an airdistribution system located within a vehicle seat. 2) (canceled) 3) Theconnector of claim 1, wherein a surface of the diverter that faces thepassage is conically shaped. 4) The connector of claim 1, wherein theconnector comprises a boss having a barb that is configured to connectthe connector with the air distribution system, and wherein a thicknessof layer of the air distribution system is configured to fit between thebarb and the base. 5) (canceled) 6) (canceled) 7) The connector of claim1, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of biasable fingers thatare arranged about an axis, and a center of the axis is coaxial with theaxis about which the plurality of biasable fingers are arranged. 8)(canceled) 9) The connector of claim 1, wherein a surface of thediverter that faces the passage is generally planar. 10) (canceled) 11)(canceled) 12) (canceled) 13) (canceled) 14) (canceled) 15) (canceled)16) (canceled) 17) (canceled) 18) A connector, comprising: a base, anupper flange comprising a diverter that is spaced apart from a surfaceof the base; a passage defined the in the base; wherein the connector isconfigured to directly or indirectly connect an air mover with an airdistribution system located within a vehicle seat, and wherein the upperflange is configured to at least partially extend through an openingdefined within a spacer layer of the air distribution system. 19)(canceled) 20) The connector of claim 18, wherein a surface of thediverter that faces the passage is conically shaped. 21) The connectorof claim 18, wherein a surface of the diverter that faces the passage isgenerally planar. 22) The connector according to claim 21, wherein thediverter is spaced apart from the base by at least three supports. 23)The connector according to claim 18, wherein the connector comprises aboss, the boss is configured to extend through a boss opening defined inthe spacer layer. 24) The connector according to claim 23, wherein theconnector comprises a second boss that extends from the base, the bossis located on one side of the diverter and the second boss is located onanother side of the diverter, and the second boss is configured toextend through a second boss opening defined in the spacer layer. 25) Aconnector comprising: a base; a passage defined in the base; a diverterthat is spaced apart from the base; and a boss; wherein the connector isconfigured to directly or indirectly connect the air mover with an airdistribution system located within a vehicle seat, the air distributionsystem comprises a spacer layer; and wherein the connector is configuredto receive a thickness of the spacer layer in between a portion of theboss and the surface of the base. 26) The connector according to claim25, wherein the portion of the boss is a prong or barb. 27) Theconnector according to claim 25, wherein the connector comprises asecond boss, and the connector is configured to receive the thickness ofthe spacer layer in between a portion of the second boss and the surfaceof the base. 28) The connector according to claim 27, wherein the bossis located on one side of the diverter, and the second boss is locatedon a second side of the diverter. 29) The connector according to claim28, wherein an alignment post is located in between the first boss andthe diverter. 30) The connector according to claim 27, wherein thespacer layer comprises a boss opening through which the boss isconfigured to at least partially extend, and a second boss openingthrough which the second boss is configured to extend. 31) The connectoraccording to claim 30, wherein the spacer layer comprises an openingthrough which the diverter is configured to at least partially extend.32) The connector according to claim 1, wherein the top surface of thebase is configured to be in contact with a bottom surface of the airdistribution system. 33) The connector according to claim 1, wherein theconnector comprises a tab that extends from an edge of the base.